Sources of UK business information. (Information Sources for Managers)

Knowing where to find relevant information is vital for today's business manager

Introduction

There is a huge array of material available in the business world. The key is to be able to locate the right information at the right time, in a suitable format. In the past managers had a tendency to rely on "word of mouth", and indeed one editor commented recently on the evergrowing need for business information in the following way:

The manager reads a few trade journals, attends

professional or trade and industry meetings to exchange

tips with colleagues, talks to customers, bankers and other

business contacts. In the past, this was perhaps efficient

enough[l].

However, in the 1990s the speed with which business can now communicate has increased tenfold the need for up-to-date, accurate, information. Knowing where to find that information is often the key to success. Increasing economic pressure pushes companies towards the need to gain continually the competitive edge over similar organizations . Thus the search for current information is a vital ingredient towards the success of a company. A recent report, commissioned by Reuters Business Information found that "nearly two-thirds of Britain's business managers wasted time searching for the right information" [2] .

Business information directories

The directories listed here are very useful as starting points in order to become familiar with the information sources available in the business information world. Many of the directories published by Headland Press provide an evaluative comment on each product. Headland Press also produce several excellent newsletters, for example, What's New in Business Information and Online/CD-ROM Business Information, both of which are monthly publications and are useful as a way of keeping informed with news and views about business information products.

Business Information Basics (published by Headland Press in association with the Confederation of British Industry). Provides a comprehensive survey of UK business information sources. Produced annually, and therefore always reasonably up to date with latest developments. Includes print and electronic sources.

The Source Book (published by KeyNote Publications Ltd). This annual publication can be used to research a market, a company or an industry. It is arranged by industrial grouping and then by type of information -- i.e. trade bodies, trade directories, statistical sources, periodicals and databases.

European Business Information Source-Book (published by Headland Press). This is an annual directory of European information. Comprehensive in coverage covers all European Union countries and European Free Trade Association countries and provides evaluation of sources.

The World Directory of Business Information Libraries (published by Euromonitor). Gives details of all major libraries including name of the enquiry officer, number of staff and stock details with notes of any special subject areas (annual).

Online/CD-ROM Business Sourcebook (published by Headland Press). This directory contains information on many electronic business sources. It is of particular interest as it provides evaluative guides to business databases (annual).

Which Business CD-ROM? (published by Headland Press). An annual publication which evaluates disc databases. Very useful in that it includes legislation, regulations, market research and business management literature.

Business sources on the Internet

The Internet is expanding rapidly -- new items are being added at a daily rate. Several companies have combined to form CommerceNet, a network set up to conduct business by electronic means. Listed below is a selection of some of the more interesting and useful items presently found on the Internet, one of which is John Major's e-mail address which can be accessed at Majordom@hm-treasury.gov.uk.

Electronic journals

The Internet Business journal. To subscribe contact John Curtin at the following e-mail address: E-mail: Curtin@hookup.net.

The Electronic Newsstand. This gives contents pages and abstracts of different types of journals including some business journals. The Electronic Newsstand can be accessed using a gopher server: Gopher:enews.com.

Government information

The UK Government now has information on the Internet which can be accessed from the following addresses:

World Wide Web Address: http://www.open.gov.uk (for access to general government news and information).

World Wide Web Address: http://www.hm-treasury. gov.uk (for access to treasury information).

World government information

There is also information available concerning foreign …